Mar 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates his two-run home run in the dugout during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
While there have been some concerning starts in the Phillies lineup, Kyle Schwarber has gotten out of the gates quickly in what is a contract year, as he's homered six times already.
That's led to increased discussion about the two-time All-Star's future as he plays out the final season of a four-year/$79 million deal that's been a massive bargain for the Phillies.
Interestingly, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported over the weekend that the Phillies did make Schwarber an extension offer during the winter, but the two sides never got any traction towards a new deal:
"The Phillies offered him an extension during the offseason, but after an initial proposal, talks failed to advance. Schwarber was content going year to year after turning down an extension with the Cubs early in his career. And while he wants to stay in Philadelphia, he’s also content playing out his free-agent year. He will be 33 next season, but surely would be in demand on the open market."
The details of the offer that the Phillies made to Schwarber aren't known, nor is it clear whether his representatives at Excel Sports Management made a counter proposal.
It's not particularly shocking that with an entire season before free agency neither the Phillies or Schwarber's camp were ready to compromise. This also doesn't mean that the two sides won't eventually reach an extension.
For what it's worth, here's what Schwarber had to say at the outset of Spring Training about his contractual status. We didn't know at the time that the Phillies had offered him an extension, but obviously he did.
"I literally haven't heard what's gonna have to go on," Schwarber said. "But we'll see. I know there's interest on our side. Well see what happens throughout this camp. If they approach us and we get deeper and deeper into discussions ... you know, like I've said, I've always enjoyed my time here.
"I kinda got that first full opportunity to come in and just really not go out on a one-year deal," Schwarber continued. "I signed a four-year deal here, [so] you just get to come in and feel like you're gonna settle in and get to know everyone and try to get to where we want to be. And we've been close every single year. I think that's been the really joyous part for me is that this is a place that you walk in and you know that you have a chance to win."
At that time, Schwarber didn't rule out potentially working out a deal during the season if the Phillies approached him, but said "I'm gonna obviously focus on what we're trying to do [as a team]."
We may have underestimated what it will cost the #Phillies to re-sign Kyle Schwarber
onpattison.com/news/2025/ap...
— Tim Kelly (@timkellysports.bsky.social) April 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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Because Schwarber has never received a qualifying offer before, the Phillies could extend one to him next offseason. That would mean if he departed in free agency, they would receive some draft compensation. It would also potentially limit his market, because some other teams may be hesitant to give up draft selections and dollars to sign him ahead of his age-33 season.
Make no mistake, though, Schwarber would have other suitors next winter, even if he's saddled by a QO. And it's hard to imagine the Phillies not taking a step back in 2026 if they lose one of the faces of their team in free agency.
